Join us as we take a journey into the prosperous province of Punjab, home to Amritsar’s sacred Golden Temple, and explore the beautiful Himalayan hill-state of Himachal-Pradesh, one of India’s most arresting and beguiling regions.

Take a journey of the senses to the cities of the Golden Triangle, Sikhism’s most sacred site and some of northern India’s most alluring countryside.

Search for tigers in Ranthambhore and see the Taj Mahal on this enthralling holiday in Northern India. Experience the colourful theatrics of a border-closing ceremony, visit exquisite, Tibetan-influenced Dharamsala and ride the Shatabdi Express train.

Amritsar’s Golden Temple Available Departures:

Fly direct from Glasgow – departs various dates until November 2020 – from £2,062pp

Fly direct from Edinburgh – departs various dates until November 2019 – from £2,062pp

Dates and prices published on this page are for the departures flying from Edinburgh & Glasgow only

Price Includes

Amritsar (2), plus two nights on the aircraft (one night only in 2021)

Seven lunches

Return scheduled to Delhi via Abu Dhabi

An internal flight from Amritsar to Delhi

First-class rail travel between Delhi and Jalandhar

Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout

Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Single supplements apply. Subject to availability.

Amritsar’s Golden Temple Itinerary

Day 1 – Fly to India

Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.

Day 2 – Included Delhi sightseeing tour

Arriving in India, you’ll meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Later, after an included lunch, join your tour manager on a guided tour to the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and the ornate Qutb Minar tower that rises from them.

Day 3 – Included Delhi city tour and travel to Jaipur

Today’s explorations begin with a guided tour of the Old City, and an exciting rickshaw ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk. Afterwards, you’ll explore New Delhi, with its echoes of the British Raj, and visit the impressive Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell. This afternoon, you’ll travel to the Pink City of Jaipur, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 4 – Included Amber Fort and Jaipur sightseeing

Visit Amber’s extraordinary hill-top fort by Jeep to explore the Royal Halls and enjoy the magnificent views. This afternoon, discover Jaipur’s stunning City Palace museum, the famous astronomical observatory and drive by the 18th-century Palace of the Winds. Dinner tonight is taken in the city with a local Rajasthani family.

Day 5 – From Jaipur to Ranthambhore

Journey to beautiful Ranthambhore National Park for a two-night stay, during which you’ll hope to catch a glimpse of the legendary Tigers of Ranthambhore. Relax in the hotel or join this afternoon’s optional excursion to Ranthambhore Fort before this evening’s tiger talk from a local naturalist.

Day 6 – Guided wildlife safaris in Ranthambhore National Park

Today’s highlights will be two canter (open-air vehicle) safaris in the company of a knowledgeable naturalist guide. Search for signs of the legendary Tigers of Ranthambhore, as well as some of the park’s other inhabitants: striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and perhaps even leopards. Lunch is included today.

Day 7 – From Ranthambhore to Dholpur

Journey through the Rajasthan countryside to Dholpur to your next hotel – the Raj Niwas Palace. Once a Royal retreat, this glorious, red sandstone, Raj-era building stands in 13 acres of manicured gardens. During your stay you’ll enjoy attentive service, accommodation in beautifully appointed pool-villas in the grounds, and have the opportunity to watch a cookery demonstration before dinner at this splendid heritage hotel.

Day 8– Included river cruise and Agra sightseeing tour

An early morning cruise on the Chambal River offers the opportunity to spot crocodiles, turtles and birdlife. Afterwards, you’ll travel to Agra, the City of Love, whose crowning sight is the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. Visit majestic Agra Fort before your first sight of the Taj – in all its glory – at sunset.

Day 9 – Included Taj Mahal sunrise visit

Pay an early morning visit to view the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. Afterwards, bid farewell to Agra and make your way back to Delhi for an overnight stay.

Day 10 – Included Shatabdi Express train travel

This morning we’ll board an air-conditioned Shatabdi Express train and journey north to Jalandhar. You’ll travel in First Class and breakfast will be provided en route.

After lunch in Jalandhar, you’ll cross the Punjabi plain and continue to exquisite Pragpur hill station. This former Royal settlement was named India’s first Heritage Village. Enjoy its delightful surroundings, which include a 19th-century artificial Taal pond, several colourful temples and a collection of traditional artisans’ shops. There will also be an included cookery demonstration at the hotel.

Day 11 – Included tour of the Himalayan foothills

Call at former British hill station, Dharamsala and its upper town McLeod Ganj – a Tibetan refuge and home-in-exile to the Dalai Lama, which draws visitors from across the globe to its glorious setting. Visit Kangra Fort where a late lunch is included, before returning to Pragpur.

Day 12 – From the Himalayas to Amritsar

You’ll take a scenic journey across the Punjabi plain to Amritsar, today. Here, you’ll join the throng for the extraordinary Palki ceremony at the breath-taking Golden Temple. Sikhism’s holiest shrine is stunning by night, towering over the narrow streets of Amritsar’s Old Town. See its copper-plated Harimandir, from which a covered causeway runs out over the waters of the sacred lake, lined each evening by devotees who have come for the procession of the Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s Holy Book.

Day 13 – Included Golden Temple tour

Today brings another opportunity to visit the Golden Temple. The jewel-encrusted, golden-domed main temple (which provides welcome and shelter for pilgrims from across the globe), the vast dining hall – where food is distributed free to some 35,000 people each day – and the Central Sikh Museum are all highlights of a fascinating day.

You’ll also visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant memorial park that commemorates one of the bloodiest days in Indian history. This evening, you’ll make the short journey out to the Indo-Pakistani border crossing at Wagah, where the gates are closed and the flags lowered at sunset in a colourful, unforgettable ceremony.

Day 14 – Fly back to the UK

Today, we’ll head to the airport to board your overnight flight home to the UK via Delhi.

Departures in 2021 will depart earlier in the day, and arrive home later today, rather than on Day 15.

Operated by Newmarket Promotions/Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V787X/V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Single supplements apply. Standard call charges apply. The price was correct at the time of publishing and while every effort is made to ensure these are as accurate as possible , they can fluctuate suddenly due to demand.